Valve construction for packaging apparatus



April 14, 1964 R. E. MILLER ETAL 3,128,986' I VALVE CONSTRUCTION FOR PACKAGING APPARATUS Filed July 18, 1960 5 Sheets-Sheet l R' E. MILLER ETAL VALVE CONSTRUCTION FOR PACKAGING APPARATUS April 1.4, 1964 WHW www

w www MMM OPE rma .Ev JM Filed July 18. 1960 April 14, 1964 Filed July 18. 1960 R. E. MILLER ETAL VALVE CONSTRUCTION FOR PACKAGING APPARATUS 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 @Lema April 14, 1964 I R. E. MILLER ETAL 3,128,985

VALVE CONSTRUCTION FCR PACKAGING APPARATUS Filed July :18. 1960 5 sheets-sheet 4 April 14, 1964 R. E. MILLER ETAL 34,128,986

VALVE CONSTRUCTION FOR PACKAGING APPARATUS Filed July 18, 1960 l 5 sheets-sheet 5 fava-nm" United States Patent O 3,128 986 VALVE CNS'IRUC'IIN FOR PACKAGING APPARATUS Roland E. Miller, Granger/ille, and Carmen G. Tumino,

Elk Grove Village, Ill., and Gerald Wynn, itonel Mountain, Ga., assignors to National Dairy Products Corporation, Chicago, Ill., a corporation of Delaware Filed July 18, 1960, Ser. No. 43,490 4 Claims. (Cl. 251-175) This invention relates generally to apparatus for packaging fiowable materials, and more particularly, the invention relates to valve apparatus for simultaneously charging .a predetermined quantity of iuid or semi-fluid material into a plurality of receptacles which are supplied to the apparatus in single le and which leave the apparatus in single lile.

There has existed for many years, especially in the food packaging field, a need for a lling apparatus which is capable of charging a plurality of receptacles during each cycle of operation, and which is also capable of ready conversion for operation with receptacles of various sizes and volumes. In this last mentioned particular, it is most desirable that the apparatus be capable of delivering a uniformly accurate charge for each receptacle when operating at any point within its overall volumetric range of operation.

Any such machine in the food packaging field should also be capable of operating with a high degree of cleanliness, i.e., without splashing, leaking, dripping, or otherwise wasting, in or on the apparatus, the material being dispensed. Cleanliness of operation is generally important not only from sanitation and economic standpoints, but is also desirable from the standpoint of maintaining the apparatus in good working condition so as to reduce maintenance costs. In addition, when the material being dispensed is avcomestible, the components of the apparatus which come into contact with the material are preferably capableof ready disassembly and reassembly to permit their thorough cleansing.

Moreover, it is most desirable that such apparatus be capable of incorporation in a line of machinery adapted for automatic or semiautomatic mass production. In this regard, one of the most common practices is to convey receptacles between packaging stations in a single lile which is most often continuously advanced to reduce wear on the conveying equipment.

Accordingly, one of the principal objects of the invention is the provision of packaging apparatus for simultaneously charging a plurality of receptacles with a fill of owable material.

Another principal object of the invention is the provision of mechanism facilitating the simultaneous lling of a plurality of receptacles with a quantitatively uniform charge, which uniform quantity can be varied over a wide range.

A further principal object of the invention is the provision of a novel valve mechanism. An additional object of the invention is the provision of a valve mechanism which includes inexpensively fabricated components and which can be readily assembled and disassembled to facilitate its cleansing.

Still another object of the invention is the provision of apparatus including a dispensing device which will not drip or otherwise splatter the apparatus with the material being dispensed.

Other additional objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent by reference to the following description, and the accompanying drawings sheets) of one embodiment of the invention, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a side elevational View which is broken away and partially sectioned to more clearly illustrate the ICC arrangement and cooperation between the various components of thedisclosed packaging apparatus;

FIGURE 2 is a fragmentary View, partially in section, showing a portion of the apparatus shown in FIGURE l at another point in the operational cycle of the apparatus;

FIGURE 3 is a sectional view taken along line 3 3 of FIGURE 1, with certain parts omitted for purposes of clarity;

FIGURE 4 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view which is taken alongtline 4--4 of FIGURE 1, and which is broken away to more clearly illustrate the relation between the various parts of the apparatus;

FIGURE 5 is an enlarged and exploded perspective view of a portion of Various of the components of the valve mechanism;

FIGURE 6 isan -enlarged fragmentary view of the connection between one ofthe piston rods and the crosshead of the apparatus shown in FIGURE. l;

FIGURE 7 is an enlarged sectional View of the dispensing portion of the apparatus shown in FIGURE l, the valve mechanism being shown in position for charging the cylinders;

FIGURE 8 is a view similar to FIGURE 7 showing the valve mechanism in its discharge position;

FIGURE 9 is a sectional viewtaken along line 9-9 of FIGURE 10;

FIGURE 10 is an enlarged end view of the valve mechanism incorporated in the apparatus of FIGURE l;

FIGURE 1l is an enlarged top plan view, with portions broken away, showing the construction of the transfer mechanism incorporated in the disclosed apparatus;

FIGURE 12 is a diagrammatical view, partly insection, showing the location of the components of the transfer mechanism during advancement of the pusher conveyor;

FIGURES 13 and 14 illustrate subsequent stages in the operation of the transfer mechanism during the dweil of the pusher conveyor;

FIGURE 15 is an enlarged sectional View taken along line 15--15 of FIGURE 3;

FIGURE 16 is an enlarged, fragmentary plan View, taken along the line 16--16 of FIGURE 3; and

FIGURE 17 is an enlarged sectional View, taken along the line 17-17 of FIGURE 3.

The apparatus illustrated in the drawings is particularlysuited for simultaneous charging of measured amounts of iluid or semi-fluid materials, such as jelly and mayonnaise, into a plural-ity of receptacles, such as glass jars or the like, which receptacles are fed to and removed from the apparatus in single file by conventional supply and output conveyors (not shown). In addition, the disclosed apparatus facilitates accurate quantitative control of the iiowable material being dispensed; inconporates a novel valve construction which is especially inexpensive and can be readily disassembled and reassembled lfor cleaning; eliminates leakage and drippage; and provides an effective arrangement for transferring receptacles from a transversely advancing single iile to a series of longitudinally advancing transverse rows, each row yincluding a plurality of receptacles which are simultaneously charged, and for subsequently re-establishing the receptacles in single lile for transverse advancement from the apparatus.

Basically, the apparatus comprises a frame 1-1 mounting a longitudinally and intermittently advancing pusher conveyor y13 which receives successive transverse rows of receptacles or jars 1'5 from an input conveyor 17, and which transports the rows of receptacles 15 -to a lling mechanism 19. The conveyor 13 also discharges the filled receptacles `15 to a transversely disposed discharge conveyor 21 by means of a transfer mechanism 23. The operation of the various mechanisms and conu veyors is powered and coordinated by a power or drive mechanism 25 which is carried by the frame 11 and includes a main drive motor or power means 27, a main drive shaft 29, and an auxiliary drive shaft 31. For purposes of convenience in the following description, the input conveyor end of the apparatus will be referred to as the rear, and the discharge conveyor end of the apparatus will `be referred to as the front.

The frame 11, as seen in FIGURES l and 3, is generally rectangular including a pair of side plates 33 which are each rigidied by upper and lower lengthwise side rails 35 and 37, and spaced apart by various structural elements including a series of lower channel beams 39, 41, and 43, a centrally located channel beam 45, and an angle bar 47. The frame is supported by a number of vertically adjustable shoes or pads 49 which permit levelling of the apparatus.

Pusher Conveyor The pusher conveyor 13 is carried by the frame 111 and includes a top plate or platform 101 which is supported by the upper lengthwise rails 35 and which includes a raised bed 192 (FIGURE 3) for supporting the transverse rows of receptacles (FIGURES l1- 14) during their travel to and from the filling mechanism 19. In addition, the pusher conveyor 13 also includes an endless series of spaced apart transversely extending push bars 193 (FIGURE l) carried by an intermittently propelled, transversely spaced pair of endless chains 105 which are each trained, in part, about front and rear end sprockets 107 and 109 to locate the upper run 111 of the push bars 1113 in overlying relation to the platform -bed 102, so that the receptacles 15 are pushed along from the rear to the front of the platform 191. The sprockets 167 and 109 are respectively carried by shafts 113 and 115 journalled in bear-ings supported by the side plates 33. Power for intermittently advancing the push bars 103 is supplied through the shaft 113 from the power mechanism 25, as will be explained.

As the illustrated apparatus is adaptable for use with various size receptacles having different base proportions, there is preferably provided, for removable mounting on the platform and beneath the upper run of the pusher conveyor, a series of groups of guide rails 1'17 (see FIG- URE 3), each group being provided for one or more different size receptacles having similar base proportions, and each group, when mounted on the platform 101, defining a series of pathways for conducting the receptacles 15 in each transverse row into proper position relative to the filling mechanism 19.

At the rearward end of the apparatus, the upper run 111 of the push `bars 163 is carried in adjacent overlying relation to the upper run of the input conveyor 17. This conveyor 17 comprises a plurality of link ybelts 119 which are suituated in transversely extending, side-by-side relationship and which can be arranged to deliver receptacles from either side of the apparatus. Preferably, the input conveyor 17 constitutes an unconnected extension to the previously mentioned supply conveyor (not shown). A star wheel (not shown) is preferably interposed between the input conveyor 17 and the supply conveyor and integrated in any suitable manner with the operation of the pusher conveyor 13 to permit passage of the receptacles 15 to the input conveyor only during the temporary halt or dwell of the pusher conveyor 13 and to limit the number of receptacles passed to the input conveyor during each dwell. In the disclosed embodiment, six receptacles are passed to the input conveyor during each dwell of the pusher conveyor.

The input conveyor 17 is driven by the 'drive mechanism 25, as will be explained hereinafter, at a constant speed, preferably at a rate which will space the receptacles along the upper run of the input conveyor during the dwell time of the pusher conveyor. Thus, after six receptacles are passed to the input conveyor by the star wheel, the pusher conveyor 13 advances, sweeping the receptacles 15 from the input conveyor 17 onto the platform 101, Where the receptacles are pushed along the pathways provided by the 4guide rails 117 until positioned under the filling mechanism 19. Preferably, guard rails (not shown) are mounted adjacent the edges of the pusher conveyor, with the guard rail at the far edge from the star wheel extending across the input conveyor to prevent over travel of the receptacles on the input conveyor.

F llng Mechanism The filling mechanism 19 comprises a series of dispensers, each of which is fed from a common hopper 151 and is controlled, at least in part, by a common valve mechanism 153. In addition, each of the dispensers incorporates means including a cylinder 155 having a piston 157 operably movable therein to admit, in cooperation with the valve mechanism 153, a measured amount of flowable material and to subsequently discharge the material through a exible spout 159 into a receptacle 15 positioned thereunder by the pusher conveyor 13. Means are also provided for making common and individual adjustments to the stroke length of the pistons, to convert the apparatus for operation with receptacles of different sizes and to provide for uniformity in the quantities being discharged.

There is also provided means associated with the lling mechanism to prevent loss of the material being dispensed by dripping, splashing, etc. and to avoid the unsanitary conditions which would otherwise occur. This mechanism includes a lift table 161, which rises out of a position coplanar with the platform 101 to elevate the receptacles 15 for entry therein of the spouts 159 so as to prevent splashing of the material being dispensed. In addition, there is included a squeeze device 163 common to each of the dispensers for closing off the spouts 159 during advancement of the pusher conveyor 13, thereby substantially preventing dripping of the material being dispensed on the apparatus. Operation of the valve mechanism 153, pistons 157, lift table 161, and squeeze device 163, is controlled and coordinated by the drive mechanism 25.

Considering the construction of the lling mechanism 19 in greater detail, the mechanism as a whole is mounted on a sub-frame supported by the upper pair of side rails 35 mounted on the side plates 33. The sub-frame 175 includes a cross beam 177 upon which the hopper 151 is mounted and on the underside of which there is carried a housing 179 supporting the cylinders 155 and including the valve mechanism 153.

When dispensing jellies or other comestibles which exhibit a tendency toward settling, an agitating screw 181, such as seen in FIGURES 3 and 4, can be included in the hopper 151 to maintain the homogeneity of the commodity being dispensed. The agitating screw 181 is transversely disposed and suitably journalled in bearings 182 mounted on each of the end walls of the hopper 151. Drivingly connected to the agitating screw 181 is a motor 183 supported by a bracket 185 secured to the sub-frame 175. Suitable gaskets or seals 187 are provided at each of the bearings 132 to prevent seepage of the material out of the hopper.

The housing 179 secured to the underside of the cross beam 177 includes an elongated chamber or bore 189 which, as seen in FIGURES 4, 7, and 8, is cylindrical, but could be of other geometric configurations. Spaced laterally along the bore are a series of groups of ports, one group for each dispenser. Each group includes in angularly spaced relationship, as seen especially in FIGURES 7 and 8, an intake port 191 communicating with the hopper 151 through an adjacent aperture in the cross beam 177, a downwardly extending discharge port 193, and a third or side port leading to one of the cylinders 155. A suitable O ring 197 (FIGURE 7) is provided in surrounding relation to the intake port 191 to prevent leakage between the housing 179 andthe cross beam-177.

Rotatably carried within the bore 189 of the housing 179 is the valve mechanism or means 153 which includes a main valve element 201 and an inflatable member or means 207 which can be supplied with pressure fluid so as to seal the valve element 201 tightly against the wall of the Vbore 109 in the housing 179. In the/disclosed construction, there is also included a pair of auxiliary elements 203 which, taken together with the main element 201, define an axial recess or cavity 205'therebetween in which is confined the inflatable member 207.

Regarding the valve elements 201 and 203, these elements are preferably fabricated with resilient bore engaging surfaces which are also desirably self-lubricating. These characteristics can be readily and economically obtained by fabricating the elements 201 and 203 from plastic materials, such as nylon or Teflon. The construction of the bore engaging faces of the Valve elements 201 and 203 with resilient surfaces permits close conformance of the valve elements to the wall of the bore regardless of irregularities in either of the contacting faces, and 'also permits fabrication of the valve elements to less exacting tolerances that would be necessary with metal surfaced valve elements. In addition, the self-lubricating qualities of Teflon and nylon contribute to the smooth operation of the valve mechanism, while their wearing characteristics facilitate close and intimate sealing contact of the bore engaging surfaces of the valve elements 201 and 203 with the wall of the bore 189 even after protracted usage. The main valve element 201 constitutes a rotatable rod or bar having end portions 209 (see FIGURE 4) and 211 (see FIGURE 9) of circular cross section and an intermediate or central portion 213 having a generally half-round cross section (see FIGURE 5) with a liat diametric surface 214 and a bore engaging surface 215 having a radius of curvature corresponding to the radius of the bore 109 in the housing 179. Spaced along the central portion 213 are a series of cut-outs or passageways 217 which open into the surface 215. Each passageway is adapted to selectively connect one of the side ports 195 to either of the associated intake or discharge ports 191 or 193.

In the disclosed construction, a pair of auxiliary valve elements 203 are employed, which elements are-generally identical except for being left and right handed. Each element has a length corresponding to the length of the central portion 213 of the-main valve element 201 and is retained between the end portions 209 and 211 of the main valve element. They valve elements 203 are each generally of quarter-round cross section having side-surfaces 218 and a curved bore engaging surface 219 (see FIGURES 7 and 8) with a radius corresponding to that of the bore 189 in the housing 179. Each auxiliary element 203 also includes at the apex o-f the side surfaces 218, a lengthwise notched corner 221, which corners cooperate with each other to provide the cavity 205 containing the iniiatable member 207. Alignment of the auxiliary elements 203 with the main element 201 for easy assembly into the bore 189 is facilitated by suitable means including the provision of a step 223 (see FIG- URE 5), extending along each side edge of the first fiat surface 214 of the central portion 213 of the main element 201, and by a cooperating lip 225 extending 1ongitudinally of one of the side surfaces 218 of each of the auxiliary valve members 203.

The inatable member 207 can be fabricated of conformable and resiliently stretchabler material, such as rubber or other synthetic resin. As shown-in FIGURE 9, the inflatable member 207 constitutes an elongated tube 226 of rectangular cross section. The tube 226 is closed at one end and has a neck 227 at the other end, seen to the right in FIGURE 9, through which air or other fluid can be forced to establish a desired pressure within the tube. Vhen inflated, the tube 226 conforms to the -shape of the cavity 205, transmitting equal forces in all directions, thereby tightly seating the curved surfaces 215 and 219 of the valve elements 201 and 203 against the adjoining wall of the bore 109. In this last regard, a filler 229 of rigid material is used to bridge the gap between the auxiliary valve elements 203, thereby preventing entry of the tube 226 therebetween and thereby also taking maximum advantage of the forces directed perpendicularly to the at surface 214 of the central portion 213 of the main valve clement 201.`

Asvseen at the Adrive side of the valve mechanism 153, i.e., to the left in FIGURE 4, the cylindrical end portion 209 of thev main valve yelement 201 includes an annular groove housing an O ring-231 and extends outwardly of.V the adjacent end of the housing 179,- incorporating a flange 233 which is retained between the housing' 179 and a threaded cap `235 to prevent axial displacement ofthe valve elements 201 and 203 within the bore of the housing. At its extreme outer end, the end portionV 209 ofthe valve element 201 is fixed to a crank 237 connected with power means in the form of the drive mechanism 25.

At isother end, as seen in FIGURE 9, the end portion 211 is of reduced radius asy compared to the bore 109 and'has suitably fixed thereto, as by a bolt 239, an end cap 2411 vwhich carries an O ring243 sealing this end of the 'valve mechanism 153. The neck 227 of the inilatable tube 226' extends through a bore in the end portion 211 and through an aperture in the end cap 241, the neck 227 being connected with a suitable source of pressure air 242 including a pressure regulator 244 and a filter (not shown).

The, disclosed construction facilitates disassembly of the valve mechanism for cleaning. In this regard, after the end cap 241 is disconnected from the main valve element 20]; the tube 226 is uncoupled from the'pressure regulator 242, lche cap 235 at the other end is disconnected from the housing 179, the connection of the crank 237"'withthe drive mechanism is broken and the valve elements 201 and 203, together With the tube 226 and filler 229, are then slid to the left in FIGURE 3, and. out ofthe bore 189. Iny reassembly, the valve elements 201 and-5203, together with the tube 226 and iiller229,V can be loosely assembled and reinserted in the bore 189, after which the various connections just mentioned can bere-established to return the valve mechanism to Working order.

In operation, the main valve element 201 is rocked in coordination with the other components of the apparatus to establish communication between the intake ports 191 andthe sidezports 195, thereby permitting passage of the material being dispensed into the cylinders incident to withdrawal of the pistons 157. When the pistons 157 are at their extreme outer positions, the main valve element-201 is rocked to close off the intake ports 191- (FIGURE 8) and to establish communication between the side ports and the discharge ports .193. Thus, the subsequent inward stroke of the pistons 157 willy eject a measured amount of the material through the discharge ports 193 andattached spouts 159;

The cylinders 155 'constiute open ended'tubular sections, each having a mounting iiange 245 (see FIGURE 4) at its inner'end. The cylinders 155 are mounted to the housing 179 'by straps or bars 247 which are bolted to the housing in partially overlying engagement withv the anges 245. An 0 ring 24S/(see FIGURE 7) is seated between each of the cylinders 155 and the housing 179 to prevent leakage.

As previously noted, means are included in the illustrated filling apparatus for accurately adjusting the quantity discharged from each 0f the cylinders 155 to insure quantitative uniformity ofthe material discharged and .to accommodate conversion of the apparatus for operation with receptacles of different volumes. These. adjustments are made by utilizing cylinders 155 of different sizes, by varying the size of the pistons 157 to accommodate the size of the cylinders, and by varying the stroke length of the pistons. In this last regard, the disclosed arrangement provides both for common adjustment of the stroke length for all pistons and for individual adjustment of the stroke length of each piston 157 In general, each of the pistons 157 (see FIGURE 1) is connected to a rod 251 which, in turn, is connected to a common oscillating crosshead 253 in a manner permitting individual variation in the stroke of the several pistons. The crosshead 253 is of U-shape and has its legs 254 keyed to a rock shaft 255 so that it osclllates to both sides of an upright position. The shaft 255 is carried in bearings mounted on the side plates 33 of the frame 11 and is rocked by a crank 257 which is pivotally connected to a rod 259 extending from an eccentric 261 carried on and driven by the main drive shaft 29 of the drive mechanism 25. The eccentric 261 can be adjusted to vary the 'throw of the crosshead 253, thereby affecting a common adjustment to the stroke length of each piston 157.

As seen in FIGURE 15, the eccentric 261 comprises a split collar or casing including an upper half-case section 263, having a threaded connection with the lower end of the rod 259, and a lower half-case section 265 which is joined to the upper section 263, as by cap screws 264 or the like. The casing generally encloses a ring 267 which is rotatable therein and which has mounted thereon a pair of parallel spaced apart bars 269, each having a rack 271 on its outer face. Keyed to the main drive shaft 29 and slidably carried between the bars 269 is a block 273 which supports a shaft 275 which is disposed transversely of the main drive shaft 29 and has a pinion 277 at each end in mesh with one of the racks 271. In its center, the block 273 is apertured to receive a pinion 279 carried centrally on the shaft 275 in engagement with a gear rack 281 which is accessible through a slot in the main drive shaft 29 and is cut into the end of a shaft 283 extending axially within one end of the main drive shaft 29.

Outwardly of the main drive shaft 29, as seen in FIG- URE 3, the shaft 283 is connected by a coupling 285 to an adjusting screw 287 supported by a bracket 289. The adjusting screw 287 includes a hand wheel 291 at its outer end which is manually operable to adjust the shaft 283 and thereby rotate the pinions 277. The rotation of the latter causes the spaced bars 269, together with the ring 267 and surrounding casing, to move radially of the main drive shaft 29, thereby adjustably locating the ring 267 so as to provide the eccentric 261 with a selected throw which, in turn, determines the extent of oscillating movement of the crosshead 253. The adjusting screw 287 can be locked against axial movement by a locking nut 293 (FIGURE 3) having a handle 295.

The throw or stroke of each of the pistons 157 can be varied relative to one another by the arrangement or means utilized to interconnect the various connecting rods 251 with the crosshead 253. In the disclosed construction, this is accomplished by an arrangement permitting individual variation in the radial distance between the rock shaft 255 and the connection of each of the rods 251 to the crosshead 253, thereby facilitating individual adjustment of the stroke length of the pistons 157. In this regard, as seen in FIGURES 3 and 6, the crosshead 253 includes a series of box-like openings 297, each of which openings has located therein an adjusting screw 299. Each adjusting screw has a central threaded portion 301 carrying a guide or trunnion 303 which is pivotally connected to one of the piston rods 251. In addition, each adjusting screw 299 includes an unthreaded upper portion 305 which extends through an upper bore in the crosshead 253 and is keyed to a hand knob 307. At their lower ends, each screw 299 has a shank 309 of reduced diameter which extends through a lower bore and which defines a shoulder 311 engageable with the lower wall of the opening 297. Extending through the crosshead 253 to the lower bore is a locking means, such as the illustrated socket head screw 313, which is engageable 8 with the shank 309 to lock the adjusting screw 299. At its lower end, the shank 309 extends beyond the crosshead 253 and is suitably fixed to a collar 315 to prevent unwanted vertical movement of the adjusting screw 299 relative to the crosshead 253.

Each of the guides or trunnions 303, one of which is threadably carried by each of the adjusting screws 299, includes means for preventing rotation of the trunnion with the adjusting screw 299 and for insuring radial movement, relative to the rock shaft 255 when the adjusting screw 299 is rotated. In the illustrated embodiment, this means comprises a channel 317 on each of the side faces of the trunnion for receiving the side walls of one of the openings 297. Thus, adjustment of one of the screws 299 will cause movement of the connected trunnion 303 radially of the rock shaft 255 and will cause an alteration in the eifective stroke length of the associated piston 157.

Each of the spouts 159 through which the material is delivered from the valve mechanism 153 to the receptacles 15 is constituted by a tube of resiliently exible material, such as vinyl plastic or rubber, which is telescopically tted over a supporting sleeve 319, as seen in FIGURE 4. The sleeve 319 is threaded or otherwise suitably secured to the housing 179 in communication with one of the discharge ports 193. The spouts 159 are each retained on the sleeves 319 by suitable means, such as an elastic washer or O ring 321, which contractively surrounds the spout and forcibly seats a portion of the spout in an annular groove 323 provided in the sleeve above its lower end.

Splashing of the discharged material, as it leaves the spouts 159 and enters the receptacles 15, is substantially eliminated by the incorporation of the lift table 161 which, as shown in FIGURES 1 and 2, is located under the housing 179 and within a transversely extending opening in the platform 101. The lift table 161 constitutes a plate or shelf 325 which is carried by a vertical support 327. In turn, the support 327 is slidably carried for vertical reciprocal movement between a pair of transversely spaced guide rails 329 which are fixedly mounted on the central channel beam 45 of the frame 11. The support 327 is connected to the drive mechanism 25 in a manner to be described later in the description, so as to provide vertical reciprocal movement of the lift table 161.

In operation, the lift table 161 is raised, after receipt of a row of receptacles 15 from the pusher conveyor 13 and during the dwell of the pusher conveyor 13, from a lower position coplanar with the platform 101 to an elevated position in which each of the spouts 159 enters deeply into one of the receptacles 15 (see FIGURE 2). As the level of the material being dispensed rises in the receptacles, the lift table 161 lowers, thereby maintaining the lower ends of the spouts 159 in close relation to the top surface of the dispensed material, so as to minimize splashing or splattering and to contain such splashing or splattering which does exist within the receptacles 15.

As the filling of the receptacles approaches completion, the continued lowering of the lift table 161 causes emergence of the spouts 159 from the receptacles, and the lower ends of the spouts are then tightly and quickly closed by the squeeze device 163 to prevent wasteful and unsanitary dripping of the material on the receptacles and apparatus when the receptacles 1S are advanced from the lift table 161 by continuance of the operation of the pusher conveyor 13.

The squeeze device 163 which tightly closes Off the lower ends of the spouts 159 comprises a pair of transverse angle members 331 (FIGURES l and 2), each of which is adjustably supported at its ends by a pair of arms 335 xed to a rock shaft 337 that is journalled in bearings mounted on the side plates 33 of the frame 11. The shafts 337 are rocked toward and then away from each other by the drive mechanism 25, as will be explained, so that when the lift table 161 is in its lowered position, the squeeze device 163 is moved into tightly squeezing engagement with the lower ends of the exible spouts 159.

As seen particularly in FIGURES 16 and 17, at least one of the angle members 331 is provided with means for compensating for misalignment of the pair of angle members 331, differences in the flexibility of the spouts 159, etc., in order to insure proper closing of each spout 159 as the angle members 331 are brought into squeezing engagement with the spouts 159. More particularly, a plurality of bars 339 are each adjustably mounted on the lower flange of one angle member 331, in position for engagement of the forward edge 341 thereof with one of the filler spouts 159 to press the latter against the edge of the horizontal flange portion of the other angle member 331, as seen in FIGURE l. Each of the bars 339 is generally centrally located with respect to one of the filler spouts 159, and the bar includes a transverse groove or recess 343 at each of its opposite ends. Each bar is adjustably held in place by a pair of cap screws 345 or the like which are secured to the lower flange of the angle member 331, by means of suitable threaded openings in the latter, with an intermediate portion of each screw disposed in the recess 343. In order to facilitate adjustment of the individual bars 339 and yproper -alignment thereof relative to the associated filler spout 159, each bar is also provided at its rear edge with a pair of spaced-apart compression springs 347 which urge the bar forwardly of the yangle member 331. Each spring is held in place by means of a stud 349 on the rear edge of bar 339 and a recess 351 on the forward face of a member 353 which extends generally the length of angle member 331 and is fixed thereto, as by welding. The bars 339 may be made of metal, hard rubber, plastic, or other suitable material having suiiicient rigidity to serve the described purpose.

Thus it is seen that there is provided independently adjustable squeeze means for each of the spouts 159, so that if one of the spouts is being improperly closed off through action of the squeeze device 163', the failure can be remedied without disrupting the proper function of the squeeze device with respect to the other filler spouts. 1n the operation of the squeeze device 163, as the lift table 161 rises to receive the spouts within the receptacles 15, the angle members 331 are swung away from each other to a retracted position permitting free passage of the dispensed material through the ller spouts 159. During lowering of the lift table 161, the angle members 331 approach each other so that the lower ends of the spouts 159 are squeezed closed as the receptacles 15 are filled and lowered to a position free of the ends of the spouts.

After charging of the receptacles 15, they are intermittently advanced by the pusher conveyor 13 until transferred to the discharge conveyor 21 by the transfer mechanism 23.

Transfer Mechanism At the forward end of the pusher conveyor 13, the transverse rows of receptacles 15 are successively transferred by the mechanism 23 (FIGURES 1 and 11-l4) to the transversely disposed discharge conveyor 21. This conveyor 21 discharges thereceptacles 15 in single file to an output conveyor (not shown) for transportation to the next station which, for instance, might be a capping station. The transfer mechanism 23 comprises a movable transfer table 4131 (FIGURE 11) located at the forward or delivery end of the main platform 101 for receipt therefrom of a single transverse row of receptacles 15, and a transfer bar or push means 403 movable relative to the table 401 for removal of the row of receptacles 15 from the table to the discharge conveyor 21. Power for operating the transfer mechanism 23 in coordination with the other components of the apparatus is supplied by the drive mechanism 25. In this regard, the arrangement for driving the transfer mechanism 23 provides, as

11i will be seen from the description of the drive mechanism, for positive control of the movement of the receptacles with a minimum of shock during transfer.

More particularly, the table 401 has a length, measured along the direction of travel of the pusher conveyor 13, less than the distance between the delivery end of the platform 101 and the adjacent edge of the discharge conveyor 21. The table 491 is movable between a first position (FIGURE 12), adjacent to and generally coplanar with the delivery end of the platform 1431, and a second position (FIGURE 13), adjacent to and generally co-planar with the adjacent edge of the discharge conveyor 21. When in the first position, the table is located to receive and support a transverse row of receptacles 15 from the platform 1111, incident to advancement of one of the push bars 103 accompanying one step of the forward intermittent movement of the pusher conveyor 13.

At such time, the leading edge of the table 401 is disposed in spaced relation to the discharge conveyor 21 to permit 'downward movement therebetween of the preceding push bar 103 as it reaches the end of the upper run of the conveyor 13. As the table 401 moves into its second position, the transverse row of receptacles 15 on the table 4111 is transferred to the discharge conveyor 21 by the transfer bar 4113.

The transfer bar 403 is movable from a retracted position, when the table 4191 is in its first position, along the direction of travel of the table to remove the transverse row of receptacles 15'from the table when it is in its second position. More particularly, the transfer bar 403 moves with the table 401 during movement of the latter toward the discharge conveyor 21. After the table 401 reaches its second position adjacent the discharge conveyor, the transfer bar moves across the table to carry the row of receptacles to the discharge conveyor.

In the illustrated construction, as shown in FIGURES l1 through 14, the transfer bar 403 constitutes a transverse angle bar mounted at the upper ends of a pair of shafts cr rods 4197. Each of the rods 407 is carried in a bearing or guideway 4139 supported at the forward end of a slide or plate 411. In turn, the slide is carried by a pair of transversely spaced guide blocks 413 (FIG- URE 1l) located under the platform 101 and is suitably connected at its rearward end to the power mechanism 25 for horizontal reciprocating movement. The guide blocks 413 are mounted on a pair of longitudinally spaced support beams 415 (FIGURE 12) secured to the frame 11.

At their lower ends, each of the shafts 467 carries a follower 417 (see FIGURES 12 through 14) which is located in a cam slot 419 provided in a longitudinally extending block 421. Both of the blocks 421 are suitably mounted to the support beams 415 and are additionally braced by cross braces 423. Each of the cam slots 419 has a rearward end which is located to position the horizontal leg of the transfer bar 463 in its retracted position which is co-planar with and intermediate of the delivery end of the platform 161 and the table 401. From this rearward end, the cam slot includes first an upwardly and forwardly inclined leg 427 and then a generally forwardly horizontal leg 429. Thus, when the slide 411 is moved forwardly, the transfer bar 403 has a common horizontal movement therewith plus some vertical movement which raises the angle bar out of the plane of the table 4131 for subsequent travel in overlying relation thereto.

The table 491 is carried at the forward end of a pair of transversely spaced bars 431 which are slidable between a pair of longitudinal guides 433 (see FIGURE 11) secured to the upper surface of the slide 411. At their rearward ends, the bars 431 are connected by a cross bar 435 which is biased forwardly by suitable means including a pair of transversely spaced tension springs 437 connected between the cross bar 435 and a pair of fixed lugs 439 depending from the platform 1111. Forward movement of the table 4111 relative to the slide 411 is prevented by an adjustable stop means 441 (see FIG- URE ll) fixed on the slide 411 in position for engagement with the cross bar 435. In addition, an adjustable stop means 443 depends fixedly from the platform 101 in position for engagement with the cross bar 435 to limit forward movement of the table 431 from its rst to its second position.

Thus, when considering the slide 411 to be initially in its rearwardmost position, the transfer bar 403 is located co-planar with the table 401 adjacent its rearward edge, and the table 401 is retained in its first position, as shown in FIGURE 1l, against the action of the springs 437, by engagement of the stop means 441 with the cross bar 435. As the slide 411 begins its forward movement, the transfer bar 403 and the table 401 move forwardly together until the cross bar 435 is engaged by the stop means 443 to locate the table 461 in its second position. During this initial part of the forward slide movement, the transfer bar 403 is elevated relative to the table 4111 by action of the followers 417 in the cam slots 419, Subsequent forward movement of the slide 411 carries the transfer bar 403 forwardly across the top of the table 401, removing the receptacles 15 to the discharge conveyor 21. In this regard, the table 401 includes a pair of notches 445 which accommodate the forward movement of the rods 407 relative to the table.

During the subsequent rearward movement of the slide 411, the transfer bar 433 is retracted across the table, and is then lowered into co-planar relation to the table 463 and the platform bed 102 as it moves together with the table into adjacent relation to the delivery end of the platform 101.

The discharge conveyor 21 comprises an articulated endless link chain 447 which is carried transversely at the delivery end of the pusher conveyor 13 by a series of sprockets (not shown) mounted on shafts 449 journalled in bearings (not shown) secured to the frame 11. The chain 447 is driven by the drive mechanism 25, as will be explained, at a speed which will remove one row of receptacles 15 before the next row is delivered thereto by the transfer mechanism 23. In addition, the discharge conveyor 21 can be arranged and driven to deliver the receptacles from either side of the apparatus to an output conveyor (not shown) which is independently driven.

Drive Mechanism The drive mechanism 25 is supported by the frame 11 and is effective to provide properly coordinated operation of the conveyors, `filling mechanism, and transfer means described above. As previously noted, the drive mechanism 25 is powered by the drive motor 27 mounted on the channel beam 39. Operation of the motor 27 is regulated by suitable controls (not shown), and power from the motor is transmitted through a clutch (not shown) and through a chain and sprocket drive, indicated generally by the numeral 501, to the main drive shaft 29. This shaft 29 is supported adjacent one end by a bearing mounted in a bracket 563 (see FIGURE 3) supported on the channel beam 41, and at the other end by bearings supported in a pair of spaced brackets 5615 mounted on the channel beam 41 on either side of the eccentric 261.

In addition to the eccentric 261 which, as previously pointed out, drives the pistons 157, there is also mounted on the drive shaft 29 a series of cam disks 557, 509, and 511 for respectively driving and coordinating the operation of the lift table 161, the valve mechanism 153 and the intermittent advancement of the pusher conveyor 13. In addition, the main drive shaft 29 is drivingly connected to the auxiliary drive shaft 31 by a chain and sprocket drive, indicated generally by the numeral 513. The auxiliary drive shaft 31 is journalled in brackets 515 (see FIGURE 1) mounted on the channel beam 43 and supports a cam yoke 517 (see especially FIGURE 12) which reciprocates the transfer mechanism 23. Also carried by the auxiliary drive shaft 31 is a ratchet and pawl device which is indicated generally by the numeral 519, is driven by the cam disk 511 on the main drive shaft 29 and operates to intermittently advance the pusher conveyor 13. In addition, the discharge conveyor 21 is driven through the auxiliary drive shaft 31.

Considering briey the drive associated with each of the operating components, the lift table 161 is vertically reciprocated through cooperation of a rocker arm 521 (see FIGURE l) and the cam disk 507. The rocker arm 521 is pivotally mounted at one end on a bracket 523 lixed to the angle bar 47, carries intermediate its ends a follower (not shown) engaged in a cam slot (not shown) provided in the cam disk 507, and at its other end is pivotally connected to one end of a connecting rod 525 of adjustable length. At its other end, the connecting rod 525 is pivotally secured to the vertical support 327. Adjustment of the vertical throw of the lift table 161 can be obtained by varying the length of the connecting rod 525.

Considering the squeeze device 163, as seen especially in FIGURES 1 and 2, the rock shafts 337 are rocked to swing the angle members 331 relative to their closed position by a pair of arms 527 which are fixed to the shafts and have intermeshing teeth disposed on their free ends. One of the shafts 337 also has fixed thereto a rocker arm 528, which is pivotally connected at its free end with a longitudinally adjustable lever 530 having a driving connection with the drive mechanism 25. Generally, the lever 530 is cam driven from a cross shaft 532, in a man ner affording properly timed movement of the rocker arm 528 to produce the described action of the squeeze device 163. A more detailed explanation of this portion of the drive mechanism is believed unnecessary for a proper understanding of the present invention.

The valve mechanism 153 is rocked by a linkage including a lever 531 (see FIGURE l) which is pivotally supported at its lower end by a bracket 533 mounted on the lower rail 37 of the frame 11, as seen to the left in FIGURE 3. The lever 531 carries a follower 532 (FIG- URE 3) engaged in a cam slot 534 in the cam disk 569, and is pivotally connected at its upper end to a connecting rod 535 of adjustable length. In turn, the connecting rod 535 is pivotally connected at its upper end with the crank 237 (FIGURE 4) secured to the main valve element 201. The rocking action of the valve mechanism 153 can be adjusted by varying the length of the connecting rod 535.

The cam yoke 517 which drives the transfer mechanism 23, as shown in FIGURES 1 and l2, incorporates a follower 536 which rides in a cam slot 538 in a cam fixed to the auxiliary shaft. In turn, the yoke is pivotally connected, as shown in FIGURE l, through a connecting rod 537 of adjustable length to a crank 539 carried by a rock shaft 541 journalled in brackets 543 supported by the central channel beam 45. Fixedly carried on the rock shaft 541 are a pair of levers 545, each of which is pivotally connected at its outer end to a connecting rod 547 of adjustable length which, in turn, is pivotally xed to the slide 411 (see FIGURE 12) of the transfer mechanism 23.

In view of the fact that the reciprocating movement of the slide 411 is primarily controlled by the action of the follower which is carried by the yoke 517 in engagement with the cam slot in the cam on the auxiliary shaft, the rate at which the transfer bar 463 is accelerated and decelerated can be controlled by laying out the cam slot so that the resultant transfer of receptacles will take place with a minimum of shock.

As previously noted, the pusher conveyor 13 is intermittently advanced by the ratchet and pawl device 519 carried on the auxiliary shaft 31 and actuated by the cam disk S11. In this connection, the cam disk 511 rocks a lever 549 (see FIGURE l) which is pivotally carried at its lower end by a bracket 551 carried by the channel beam 41, which carries a follower (not shown) engaged in a cam slot (not shown) on the cam disk 511, and which is pivotally connected at its upper end to the rearward end of a connecting rod 553 of adjustable length.

andassey The connecting rod 553 is pivotally connected at its forward end to an arm 555 journalled on the auxiliary shaft 31. Carried by the pivotal connection between the rod 553 and the arm 555 is a drive pawl 557 which, during forward movement of the connecting rod 553, indexes clockwise a ratchet 559 fixed to an outer sleeve 561 disposed coaxially of the auxiliary shaft 31 for rotation relative thereto. Movement of the sleeve 561 counterclockwise is prevented through engagement of the ratchet 559 by a second or stop pawl 565. Thepawl 565 is swung into and out ofengagement with the ratchet by a cam (not shown) carried on the auxiliary shaft 31. The sleeve 561 rotates the front shaft 113 to advance the pusher conveyor 13 by a chain and sprocket drive, indicated generally by the numeral 567.

The discharge conveyor 21 is continuously driven by the auxiliary shaft 31 through a chain and sprocket drive which is indicated generally by the numeral 569, and which is drivingly connected with a miter gear box 571. In turn, the miter gear box 571 powers the discharge conveyor 21 through a second chain and sprocket drive which is indicated by the numeral 573 and is connected to one of the shafts 449.

The input conveyor 17 is continuously driven off the main drive shaft 29 by a chain and sprocket drive 575 which is drivingly connected to a miter gear box 577 which, in turn, is drivingly connected to the input conveyor by a chain and sprocket drive 57 9.

Summary of Operation In operation, the pusher conveyor 13 advances step by step to sweep six receptacles from the input conveyor 17, and to transport them, as a transverse row, to the lift table 161 located under the spouts 159. When a row of receptacles 15 is thus positioned, the pusher conveyor 13 dwells, and the lift table 161 then begins to rise. At the same time, the squeeze rods 331 are swung away from one another so that the flexible spouts 159 will deliver a charge of ilowable material in response to operation of the valve mechanism 153 and pistons 157.

In this latter regard, while the pusher conveyor 13 was advancing to locate a row of receptacels 15 on the lift table 161, the valve mechanism 153 was rocked by the drive mechanism to connect the cylinders 155 to the hopper 151, so that, incident to simultaneous rearward displacement of the pistons 157 outwardly of the cylinders 155, a predetermined measured amount of liowable material is admitted into the cylinders 155.

When the lift table 161 reaches its upper position, the valve mechanism 153 is rocked by the drive mechanism 25 to connect the cylinders 155 to the discharge spouts 159. At the same time, the direction of travel of the pistons 157 is reversed and they move forwardly displacing the flowable material in the cylinders 155 through the spouts 159 into the receptacles 15. As the level of the material in the receptacles rises, the table 161 is lowered to maintain the bottom of the spouts 159 just above the level of the material thus far charged into the receptacles.

As the charging approaches completion, the pistons 157 approach their forwardmost positions and the valve mechanism 153 shuts off the discharge spouts 159 from the cylinders 155. Just prior to emergence of the spouts from the receptacles incident to continued lowering of the table 161, the squeeze rods 331 swing together to pinch the ilexible spouts 159. This action generally keeps the spouts full of the material being dispensed, thereby assuring constant quantitative charging of the receptacles, and also acts to prevent dripping from the spouts during subsequent movement of the receptacle row from the lift table 161 by the pusher conveyor 13.

During the dwell of the pusher conveyor 13, while the row of receptacles on the lift table is charged, the transfer mechanism 25 also operates to transfer one row of previously lled receptacles 15 from the transfer table 401 to the discharge conveyor 21. This operation occurs conveyor 21 and incident to movement of the transfer bar 403 across the table 491 to sweep the Vreceptacles onto the discharge conveyor 21. When this latter movement is completed, the transfer bar 403 and table 401 return to their positions adjacent the delivery end of the platform 1431 in position for receipt on the transfer table 401 of the next row of receptacles 15 during the next advancement of the pusher conveyor 13. During this advancement, the preceding push bar 103 passes downwardly between the transfer table 401 and the spaced discharge conveyor 21 for subsequent travel around to the rearward end of the platform 101.

Various ofthe features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

What is claimed is:

l. A valve construction comprising a housing having a bore therein with one portion of the wall thereof having two spaced-apart ports therein, a valve element disposed within said bore, said element being fabricated with a resilient surface for engagement with said one portion of the wall of said bore, inatable means confined within said bore intermediate said element and a second portion of the wall of said bore opposite said first portion, and means for supplying pressure fluid to said inflatable means so as to urge said resilient surface into sealing engagement with said one portion of the wall of said bore, said element having a passageway therein opening into said surface and being movable to connect said passageway between said ports.

2. A valve construction comprising a housing having a bore therein with two spaced-apart ports in the wall of said bore, a pair of valve elements disposed within said bore, said elements each having resilient surfaces adapted for engagement with the wall of said bore, inflatable means confined between said elements, and means for supplying pressure fluid to said inflatable means so as to urge said surfaces of said elements into sealing engagement with the wall of said bore, one of said elements having a passageway therein opening into said surface thereof and being movable to connect said passageway between said ports.

3. A valve construction comprising a housing having a cylindrical bore therein and a series of longitudinally spaced groups of ports in the wall of said bore, each of said groups of ports including, in angularly spaced relationship, an intake port, a discharge port, and a third port, a plurality of elongated valve elements disposed lengthwise within said bore, each of said valve elements being fabricated with a resilient self-lubricating curved surface conforming generally to the curvature of the wall of said bore for sealing engagement therewith, inflatable means confined intermediate said elements, and means for supplying pressure fluid to said iniatable means so as to urge said curved surfaces of said elements into sealing engagement with the wall of said bore, one of said elements having a series of passageways therein opening into said surface thereof, with one passageway for each group of ports, and being selectively movable to connect said passageways between said third ports and said intake ports and to connect said passageways between said third ports and said discharge ports.

4. A valve construction comprising a housing having a cylindrical bore therein and a series of longitudinally spaced groups of ports in the wall of said bore, each of said groups of ports including, in angularly spaced relationship, an intake port, a discharge port and a third port, three elongated valve elements disposed lengthwise within said bore, each of said valve elements being fabricated of a plastic material having resilient surface and self-lubricating characteristics, one of said valve elements having end portions of circular cross section and an elongated central portion of generally half-round cross section, said central portion having one flat surface, a curved surface concentric with said end portions and adapted for engagement with the wall of said bore, and a series of passageways therein opening into said curved surface, with one passageway for each group of ports, the other two of said valve elements each being generally of quarter-round cross section and having a curved surface and two side surfaces, each of said two valve elements being confined, when in said bore, between said end portions of said one valve element in generally parallel alignment with said central portion of said one valve element, and with their curved surfaces disposed for engagement with the wall of said bore, said one valve element and said two valve elements having cooperating means to maintain their generally parallel alignment with one another during assembly thereof within said bore, each of said two valve elements having a lengthwise notch at the apex of its side surfaces to define, together with the at surface of said one valve element, an axial cavity between said valve elements, a ller disposed in said cavity along the Wall opposite from said flat surface of said one valve element, an elongated iniatable tube located within said cavity between said filler and said flat surface of said one valve element, means for supplying pressure iiuid to said tube through one of said end portions of said one valve element so as to urge said curved surfaces of said valve elements into sealing engagement with the wall of said bore, and power means drivingly connected to the other end portion of said one valve eiement for selectively rotating said valve elements to connect said passageways between said third ports and said intake ports and to connect said passageways between said third ports and said discharge ports.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,037,691 Baldwin Apr. 21, 1936 2,319,532 Codney et al. May 18, 1943 2,672,272 Harris et al Mar. 16, 1954 2,704,147 Cozzoli Mar. 15, 1955 2,850,051 Rasmusson Sept. 2, 1958 2,918,161 Edmonds et al. Dec. 22, 1959 3,061,267 Hammer Oct. 30, 1962 3,067,978 Natho Dec. 11, 1962 

1. A VALVE CONSTRUCTION COMPRISING A HOUSING HAVING A BORE THEREIN WITH ONE PORTION OF THE WALL THEREOF HAVING TWO SPACED-APART PORTS THEREIN, A VALVE ELEMENT DISPOSED WITHIN SAID BORE, SAID ELEMENT BEING FABRICATED WITH A RESILIENT SURFACE FOR ENGAGEMENT WITH SAID ONE PORTION OF THE WALL OF SAID BORE, INFLATABLE MEANS CONFINED WITHIN SAID BORE INTERMEDIATE SAID ELEMENT AND A SECOND PORTION OF THE WALL OF SAID BORE OPPOSITE SAID FIRST PORTION, AND MEANS FOR SUPPLYING PRESSURE FLUID TO SAID INFLATABLE MEANS SO AS TO URGE SAID RESILIENT SURFACE INTO SEALING ENGAGEMENT WITH SAID ONE PORTION OF THE WALL OF SAID BORE, SAID ELEMENT HAVING A PASSAGEWAY THEREIN OPENING INTO SAID SURFACE AND BEING MOVABLE TO CONNECT SAID PASSAGEWAY BETWEEN SAID PORTS. 